(veteran)

Gerald E. Russell, 78, of Arlington, died Wednesday, March 15, 2006, at the Fremont Area Medical Center.

Graveside services will be 1 p.m. Saturday, March 18, at the Tekamah Cemetery, with military graveside services conducted by members of American Legion Post No. 71 and V.F.W. Post No. 8332 of Arlington. There is no visitation.

Gerald E. Russell was born July 27, 1927, in Tekamah to Audley and Josephine (Bowden) Russell. He grew up in Tekamah and was a graduate of Tekamah High School.

He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II from June 27, 1945, until July 1, 1946.

He returned home and attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where he graduated in 1954 with a degree in pharmacology. He worked as a pharmacist at Minden for two years, and moved to Arlington in 1956. He purchased the Arlington Drug Store, which he operated until retiring in 1996.

He married Alta L. Copper on Dec. 24, 1950, in Grand Island.

Mr. Russell was a member of the Arlington Community Church, U.C.C.; American Legion Post No. 71 of Arlington; the 40 & 8 Voiture 1018 of Fremont. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, reading, playing cards, gardening and spending time at his cabin.

He is survived by his wife, Alta; three sons and daughters-in-law, Gary and Charlene Russell of Des Moines, Iowa; Wayne and Kathie Russell of Omaha; and Greg and Gayle Russell of Arlington; two daughters and a son-in-law, Debra and Henry McWilliams of Grand Island; and Monica Johnson of Houston, Texas; 14 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and a brother, Bill Russell of Greeley, Colo.

He is preceded in death by a daughter-in-law, three brothers, and two grandsons.

Memorials are suggested to the Arlington Public Library.

Reckmeyer-Moser Funeral Home in Arlington is in charge of arrangements.